Leggings were an undeniable staple of the decade’s fascination with dance, aerobics, and Jim culture, which gave rise to the concept of 80s athleisurewear.
During a decade that was marked by bold choices and a rise of fitness crazes, leggings found a unique place in mainstream fashion. For most, they fit comfortably and represented a very versatile style. They were often paired with oversized sweaters, leotards, tunics, and legwarmers. They were the perfect way for women and teens to express their style and love for physical fitness. Today, leggings still play a popular role in the wardrobes of women from all around the world.
Leggings and 80s Athleisurewear The 80s saw many different changes, especially in culture and entertainment. The decade was a period of time with economic prosperity, thanks to the widening middle-class, and the availability of disposable incomes. It is against this backdrop that we saw a rise in aerobics and health-conscious lifestyles. Of course, a lot of this was influenced by the fitness movement of the decade that was spearheaded by major figures like Jane Fonda. Anyone who was around in the 80s had seen at least one of Fonda’s workout videos.
After all, the decade was all about celebrating bold colors, eccentric patterns, and a very unique silhouette. Leggings fit perfectly within this mantra, making them a versatile form of pants. They allowed people to experiment with brighter colors and textures, without breaking the bank. Best of all, is that leggings could be worn both in and how of the gym.
What Led to the 80s Athleisurewear Craze As exercise and aerobics became commonplace in homes across the country, people sought to showcase their favorite form of exercise by sporting their athletic wear everywhere they went.
The Aerobics Fitness Craze and 80s Athleisurewear One of the biggest trends in the 80s that helped to propel leggings into mainstream fashion was the aerobics craze. There were countless celebrity fitness videos available throughout the decade, which made fitness a fashionable activity. Women across the country began going to the gym and joining exercise group classes during their free time. One of the most common outfits worn were leggings, paired with a leotard. These leggings came in a wide variety of neon colors and quickly became the go-to attire for any aerobics class.
Naturally, leggings provided both function and form, which made them perfect for the active lifestyle that was promoted throughout the decade. They provided women with a comfortable snug fit that allowed them full mobility, while at the same time enhancing their body’s shape. This was the practical aspect of leggings, and when combined with their bold aesthetic, established them as a fashion trend well outside of the gym. Today’s athleisurewear draws heavily from the legacy of leggings, as they continue to form part of everyday fashion.
80s Athleisurewear and Casual Fashion Let’s face it though, leggings were not just worn by people who were into fitness. Their comfort and form fit help them to become a key part of casual streetwear. Women throughout the 80s would often pair leggings with an oversized sweater, a denim jacket, or even a dress. They were an easy way to add both style and comfort to any outfit. And, they were more commonly supported by teenagers and young adults who found them to be a versatile pieces of clothing that was perfect for both school and socializing.
Thanks to legging’s influence on street style, they became more accessible to people across the nation and in various demographics. Kids would experiment with a wide selection of printed leggings featuring animal prints, geometric patterns, and so much more. In the end, the trend helped to solidify leggings as an adaptable staple of 80s Athleisurewear.
The Influence of Music and Pop Culture on 80s Athleisurewear Then, of course, there was pop culture and music. Music icons of the decade including Madonna and Cyndi Lauper often embraced leggings as part of their unique styles. They would integrate them into their stage outfits, and even wear them out on the streets. Madonna, who was known for her edgy and rebellious style, would often pair leggings with crop top shirts, skirts, or layered accessories. Her influence showcased that leggings could be both fashionable and expressive.
After the introduction of MTV in 1981, music videos became a central part of American pop culture. Leggings were often featured as part of the bold and expressive styles that characterize most 80s music icons . This exposure of leggings through MTV only helped to further popularize them and make them a cultural statement that fully embodied the free-spirited essence of the decade.
The Icons Who Brought Us Leggings Naturally, leggings would not have ever been as popular as they were if it weren’t for fashion icons and celebrities like Jane Fonda, Madonna, and countless others. Throughout the 80s, Jane Fonda released numerous workout videos, which often showcased the functionality of leggings and made them an integral part of the fitness movement. At the same time, Madonna began wearing leggings as a fashion-forward piece and integrated them into her eclectic style. Both of these women influenced the fashion industry, by demonstrating that leggings could be worn in a wide variety of different ways.
The Cultural Impact of Leggings The influence of leggings continued on well past the 80s. While initially, they represented a merging of fitness culture and fashion, embodying the essence of 80s athleisurewear,, their popularity has continued far beyond this health-conscious era. Leggings provided women with a piece of clothing that could keep up with their active and on-the-go lifestyle. And, they also provided them with something that could seamlessly transition from their workouts to casual gatherings. Their ability to be paired with just about any outfit made them a staple in anyone’s wardrobe.
Conclusion Ultimately, leggings defined the 80s athleisurewear movement. They were a versatile garment that provided comfort and the ability to capture the essence of the decade’s desire for fitness and self-expression. Leggings were popular among many different subcultures. They were supported by people who were into the aerobics craze and made a quintessential part of street-style things to their rise and pop culture. In the end, they became a beloved fashion item that broke traditional boundaries of fashion and style and helped to spur 80s athleisurewear.
